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Easy Fried Chicken Bites
5 from 12 votes

Easy Fried Chicken Bites

Easy Fried Chicken Bites are small pieces of marinated chicken coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried. The marinade uses beer, lime zest and juice, garlic, and spices, which tenderize the chicken and add flavor. The coating includes oregano, paprika, and baking powder, creating a crispy texture. Optional fried garlic garnishes and a creamy, spicy dipping sauce enhance the dish. These bites offer a crunchy exterior with juicy meat inside, suitable as a snack or appetizer.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
19 mins
Total Time
34 mins
Servings: 24
Calories: 143 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken , skinless or skin on, cut into bite-size pieces, about 2 ½ inches
  • 5 garlic minced* (for the marinade, cloves
  • 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
  • 4 tablespoons green onion , finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Tempero Baiano homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt , to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper or ground black pepper, to taste
  • lime or lemon, zest and juice from 3 large fruit
  • 350 ml beer golden or any beer of your preference
  • 1-½ cup peanut oil , canola oil, or vegetable oil enough to deep-fry the chicken pieces
For the Coating Mix:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour , sifted or cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon oregano dried
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Fried Garlic: This is optional
  • 10 garlic thinly sliced, cloves
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
For Garnish:
  • 1 cilantro parsley, or green onion, finely chopped, bunch
For the dipping sauce: This is optional
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Nestle , Table Cream, Plain Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, or sour cream
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons Texas Pete Hot Sauce , to taste
  • 2 tablespoons green onion , finely chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small bowl, combine all dipping sauce ingredients. Store in the refrigerator until needed. If you're using a whole chicken, start by washing the chicken and removing any excess skin near the bottom cavity. Cut the thighs from the front, then crack the bones of the joint on the back.
  2. Flip the chicken on its back, remove the legs, and set them aside. Cut through the carcass vertically to separate the back from the breasts and wings.
  3. Remove the wings and set them aside. Split the breasts *bone-in. Start to cut everything into chunks. Split thigh and drumstick and keep on chunking. In a large bowl, add all the chicken pieces and rinse with water and a splash of vinegar to remove any loose broken bones.
  4. In another large bowl, combine lime juice, salt, beer, green onion, onion flakes, granulated garlic, Tempero Baiano, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken pieces. Mix thoroughly with the lime mixture. Let it marinate for a least 1 hour or overnight. Remove chicken pieces from the bowl and transfer to a colander to drain off excess marinade, and let sit on the colander for 15 minutes.
  5. Then place the chicken pieces onto a baking sheet lined with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and cover with another kitchen towel (To absorb all the moisture).
  6. In a medium bowl, combine all the coating mix ingredients, then transfer to a large ziplock bag. Add the chicken pieces into the bag, seal, and shake until they are completely coated with the flour mix.
  7. Heat the oil to 350 ºF, remove the chicken pieces from the bag and shake off the excess flour and deep-fry the chicken in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan. It will take about 8 minutes or until golden brown (wings and other small pieces) to 12 minutes (drumsticks and other alike pieces).
  8. Place fried chicken bites onto a large sheet pan lined with a double paper towel to absorb excess oil.
  9. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a medium skillet, add the sliced garlic, and fry until lightly golden brown. Remove the pan from the heat and drizzle the infused garlic oil along with the fried garlic on top of the fried chicken bites.
  10. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve as an appetizer along with the dipping sauce and a cold beer or other drink of your choice.
  11. Enjoy!😋🍻

Notes

  • Cool chicken bites before storing in airtight containers; refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
  • Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven or air fryer for several minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
  • Prepare and marinate the chicken pieces ahead of time, then coat and fry just before serving for convenience.
  • Freeze cooled chicken bites in labeled containers for up to 1-2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.